updated 12:55 am EST, Tue November 3, 2009

Android-based device features new "UX" platform

Sony Ericsson has unveiled its latest flagship handset, the XPERIA X10, which had been previously referred to by the codename Rachael. The smartphone is promised to be the first of many devices built upon the company's Android-based UX "Open OS" platform. The X10 is the highest-end Android phone to date and features a fast 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 480x854 resolution, and an 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus.

The interface offers a Timescape utility that can be used to browse and manage content such as Facebook, Twitter, photos, e-mails and text messages. Recorded videos, YouTube, and PlayNow are all accessible from the Mediascape area. An "infinite button" combines a variety of interactions for one person into a single view, while facial recognition automatically matches pictures to the phonebook.

The X10 will be available in the first quarter of 2010, with black and white color choices. The device is designed for GSM networks, although a carrier and pricing have yet to be announced; the handset does however support HSPA-based 3G on the 1,700MHz band and hints that T-Mobile will be the official US carrier.

That's some sweet smartphone...

It's a fairly large slab, but definitely packed with great goodies. As far as hardware is concerned, you can't ask for more than that. That display size is terrific. I wonder what happened to the XPERIA III which I thought was supposed to be next in the series. I'll bet the hardware cost plenty and it might be difficult for SE to turn any profits. It is a gorgeous smartphone with plenty of power under the hood if you're into specs. Nice video ad, too.

The iPhone is going to be at a disadvantage in many respects competing against larger display devices. The iPhone's form factor is basically locked due to all the accessories that have been made for it.

Interesting

With the Droid and the X10 both offering far higher resolution screens than the iPhone, how long before Apple will have to depart from having a single standard iPhone resolution???

Now there may be some good arguments against, while mobile CPU/GPU and battery power are limited, powering more detailed screens will have measurable impact - but this year is really the first point at which rival devices could start to make the iPhone look dated.

Looking at the Xperia directly, my main criticism is that the interface looks a little 'busy' - the animations don't seem to have any real UI value (i.e. they don't draw attention to where things are) - and the 3D dock seems particularly bad - look how small that makes the icons after they're reduced to fit into the 3D space - there's a good reason why Apple didn't keep the same approach with the iPhone and Mac, and this seems a classic case of 'design = copy things from Apple'.

The Springboard isn't exactly perfect either - but perhaps it was done that way to avoid some of Palm's patents??

nice specs

If those are real shots of its interface, though, it looks like it could use some work. Seems like a pain to use. If anyone knows how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, that would be SE. Still, welcome back into the fight, Sony-Ericsson!